Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp looked visibly annoyed when he had to field questions about forward Mohamed Salah’s recent form:

‘He needed time last year, like we all needed time. And he will take time this season as well.’

The Egyptian international was sensational last term as he smashed in a whopping forty-four goals in fifty-two appearances, helping The Reds to a top four finish in the Premier League and to the Champions League final. Pretty much everything he touched in the last year turned to gold.

If people are expecting the exact same from the maverick attacker this year, then they could be left disappointed.

At the moment, that sensational goalscoring season is an anomaly. His best scoring season previous to his last campaign came at Roma in 2016-17, when he bagged seventeen strikes in thirty-seven appearances. The season before that one, he managed to find the net fifteen times in Italy’s capital.

Now I’m not saying Mo won’t managed to get thirty plus goals this season, I’m just saying it’s not guaranteed.

He’s done well, so far in this campaign, the attacker has scored two and created an assist in his club’s opening six fixtures.

Importantly Liverpool aren’t depending on Salah’s strikes. The forward three are a fluid one and to be at their best this term, I believe they all need to work as one and share the goals.

On the right wing, Mohamed is a terrific threat. His directness and dribbling ability get him beyond players, he then has the craft and vision to create chances for forward partners Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino. While his goal tally last season was superb, people often overlook the fact that he created fourteen assists. That’s in keeping with what he was capable of in Serie A during his time in Italy.

Mane has struck four times in the first six games, while Firmino has also grabbed three goals. Between the trio, they’ve also created three assist and scored eight in six games.

It’s also worth noting that Mo Salah’s Reds season last term came to an end with a shoulder injury in the Champions League final against Real Madrid. He then rushed back from the setback to participate at the World Cup in Russia with the Egyptian national team. Then after a few weeks holiday, he arrived back for preseason training with Liverpool.

Has he had a enough of a rest? Is he 100% fully fit? I’m not sure.

He’s also making a defensive contribution. He makes on average one tackle per game and has a 76% passing success rate. Klopp was quick to praise Salah’s defensive ability in his press conference today:

‘On a defensive side, his last two games were outstanding. He’s ready to work for the team in these moments.’

 

The important fact is that Liverpool have won their opening six encounters. They are sitting joint top of England’s top flight and have just beaten Ligue 1 champs PSG in the Champions League.

As long as the team are winning, then that’s the main thing. Salah is still offering plenty in forward areas too.

I’m sure the goals will soon flow again for the twenty-six year old. I just urge him not to lose focus and to remain calm. He can’t snatch at chances nor can he become too greedy as he looks to get himself back on the scoresheet.

If Mo is flying at the opposition and creating for others, then he’ll be doing a right turn for Liverpool Football Club!

 

Posted on September 21st, 2018 by scott
Filed under: Article